An attic fan can provide a number of benefits, most of which have to do with the regulation of heat within a home. An attic fan can significantly reduce the heat in the attic, as well as in the entire house. Furthermore, many attic fan models use less energy than air conditioners. For these reasons, many people in climates that are hot year round, or even just for a portion of the year, choose to install attic fans. Depending on the size of the house and the effectiveness of the attic fan, it is possible for this kind of ventilation to take the place of air conditioning.
In order for an attic fan to properly reduce heat within a home, it must be possible for windows to be open, especially on the lower levels of the house. It is also important for air to flow through all of the rooms of the house. This means that, for the best results, doors to rooms such as bedrooms, offices, and dens should be left open. When the attic fan is on and the windows are open, the fan pulls cool air into the house and forces hotter air out of the house. Rooms that are closed off may not be ventilated as well as those that are left open.
Many people find that the temperature in the house noticeably drops when an attic fan is turned on. This is another benefit to attic fans. While air conditioners can take longer to cool a house, an attic fan changes the temperature in a more immediate way. Another benefit is that an attic fan constantly pulls fresh air into the house, unlike most air conditioners.
There are also financial and environmental benefits to using an attic fan. Because these kinds of fans often use less energy than air conditioners, they are better for the earth and also result in lower energy bills. There are some especially efficient attic fans that are powered by solar energy. These, of course, are even more environmentally friendly.
In regions that regularly experience very high temperatures, these kinds of fans may not be sufficient to cool a house. They can, however, be used along with air conditioners to reduce the use of air conditioners. When installing attic fans, it is important to place them in a way that maximizes their effectiveness and promotes the best flow of air throughout the house.
